A couple of years ago I was there camping (more on camping on Kauai here) with the girls and we were sleeping up on the sand dunes (to make sure we wouldnt get run over by big trucks on the beach!) While you are shelling, you may reflect on the beach where the old classic movie South Pacific was filmed and Mitzi Gaynor singing gonna wash that man right out of my hair!. Glass Beach Jewelry Designs 96714 . Item #196 Length8 inches Value$1,200 [ made to order ] Inquire ), Your email address will not be published. For generations, the people of Niihau have been collecting, matching and stringing these tiny, lustrous shells. But dont let that story deter you. The art of lei-making from Ni'ihau shells is a very closely protected one -- the shells cannot be called "Ni'ihau" shells any longer unless they are actually collected on that island (this law was passed just last year I believe) -- since the kahelelani shells, momi shells and others are also found on other islands, this has been a big problem in the past -- the shells from Ni'ihau have a special luster which gives them that most rare distinction. When combined with kahelelani and sunrise shells, you can get stunning results! Take full advantage of our site features by enabling JavaScript. Thanks in advance for your replies. Aloha~ Rob Arita, These are momi shells. Kahelelani are the most rare variety of Ni'ihau shells. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Sold individually, these earrings come in a number of shapes, styles, colors and sizes. Kauai Tourism Kauai Hotels Kauai Bed and Breakfast Kauai Vacation Rentals Kauai Packages Flights to Kauai Kauai Restaurants Kauai Attractions Kauai Travel Forum Kauai Photos The native iron compounds in the earth possibly reacted with tannins in the gourd, creating black and dark reddish-brown patterns. It is in excellent condition and very striking to wear and to look at. Earrings additional $85. Good news! Do you mind if I ask how much the Nihau leis cost? This yellow/white lei consists of ten strands of laiki shells, all 18" long. Not even enough for one necklace. Palazzo Pant & Kimono Set - Tattoo in Royal & Black Lotus & Lime $121.95. It's our 25th wedding anniversary gift and I could not be more excited! (I'm looking at this purchase as I'd do a diamond, a little research goes a long way!). Inquire for photos of different sets. $254.99, $299.99 I've bought from him at SH. The average size of Kahelelani shells will . All rights reserved. Ni'ihau shell necklace Rare colors AlohaMeraki (4) $549.00 FREE shipping 20 1/2 inches Niihau momi shell necklace and bracelet with kahelelani shells from Hawaii DuangchindaOfHawaii (159) $850.00 Gorgeous Kahelelani Shell necklace Made in Hawaii USA Gold fill thin dainty delicate chain Ni'ihau Niihau like Island Ocean Beach Jewelry I also have purchased one from a shop at Kilhana (which I'm not sure is still there). I paid $20 for it and the gal down the walk "wired" it for me for $15! Monica Wachman, Leaf Group. Ni'ihau Helicopters Office Drive to Port Allen Airport I was born on the East Coast and currently live in the Midwest but my heart will always be out West. I bought mine from a Spouting Horn vendor about ten years ago. The words of the motto are generally attributed to King Kamehameha III, Kauikeaouli, who reportedly spoke them on July 31, 1843, when sovereignty was restored to the Hawaiian kingdom after a brief British occupation. Instead, there are plenty of venues in Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island that offer authentic Ni'ihau shell leis and jewelry. MF Silver, Kealia . SECTION 2. (c) Any product or jewelry item that consists of at least eighty per cent Niihau shells, by count, and that meets the requirement of subsection (b)(2), may be described, labeled, or identified using the term "contains", followed immediately by the nearest whole number representing the percentage of Niihau shells, by count, contained in the product or jewelry item, followed by the term, "% Niihau shells" or "% Niihau shells".". $44.10, $49.00 The most prized are the deep reds, hot pinks, and the dark chocolate colored ones. Some songs feature the voice of the late, great Israel IZ Kamakawiwaole. $1,350.00, $1,800.00 Inquire for bulk or re-sale pricing. These retail for between $350-$600 in shops. This topic was brought up on the Europe board and it helped me greatly during my Med cruise last October. 2. There may be variations, however, in the names that other lei makers commonly use. The physic Want to know more? Fun to look tho..Maybe a single choker strand for me? We chose to finish these with 14K stunning Cypraea Helvolla Cowry hook and eye. Hawaii is known for many shells found nowhere else on earth. Hawaiian is their first language, English is second. From beach cover-ups and sundresses to Kauai logo tees and the all-popular Kauai Rooster cap. The families that live and work on Ni'ihau have collected these shells and developed their own lei making techniques over generations for the most part -- many ohana, like the Kanahele's (who I highly recommend) have members that live on Ni'ihau, collect and sew the leis, and then members who live outside Ni'ihau sell them and the money goes back to the ohana. Polihale is one of the best shell beaches on Kauai and an amazing experience! Item# 18D01LK0085. Today, there are only about 130 or so people living on the island where they still speak their own dialect of the Hawaiian language. Finished in 14K with 14K spacers. They are valued like a one-of-a-kind diamond necklace. Apparently there used to be a dump there many years ago and this is where the glass came from. Niihau shell, Heliconia dangle earrings made with vintage, momi ke'oke'o (pure white) shells and Kauai Kahelelani. Chapter 486, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows: "486- Niihau shells; representing content. Our options for clasps are boundless and our collection of gem quality cowry are fabulous. Just a word of caution when identifying Niihau shells. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. Opihi - a Hawaiian delicacy. And those were expensive at Maui Hands as well, but I felt the prices overall were a tad better. Much like shells are the diamonds to any surfer girl, Niihau shells - found only on the island of Niihau are valued like a one-of-a-kind diamond encrusted necklace. This bracelet features gorgeous shells with a modern design and is finished with a 14K Gold safety clasp. You walk right into the production kitchen to buy a bag (or three). Precious Diamond 808 Detailing Anahola 96703 . Finish is a Freshwater 14K Gold Pearl safety clasp. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-59045746', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maui. The island has mysteriously been "protected" from outsiders since the 1800s. $450.00, $600.00 Sunrise Shell Lei Kauai Kahelelani Shell Lei Hawaii Shells Beach Jewelry Eco-Friendly Collected Rare Shells Island Mermaid Sunrise Shell ad vertisement by KauaiShellsandMore. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation and respect to the past and present people of these lands. Since each sunrise shell pair has a red side and a yellow, we do our best to match a gorgeous color palette together regardless of the color you choose High Quality pure Niihau Shell Lei. Item #196, Incredible 5 strand Mauna Loa Lei featuring Kahelelani Akala Pua, ke oke o, ula ula, makue, akala pua waipapipi, omao omao, akala ahiehie, with accents of kamoa lenalena. The best shell beach on Kauai! The finish is a large filigree pearl clasp and the balance of colors graduating from pink to burgundy to dark brown provide a great aesthetic while complimenting the marriage of shell and pearl. Hand crafted Kapono style Hawaiian Lei made of precious gem quality shells carefully collected on the Island of Ni`ihau Hawaii, known as the Forbidden Island. Native Hawaiian Economic Development; Niihau Shells; Protection, Prohibits sale of seashell items w/description or label using term "Niihau" or "Niihau" unless item contains 100% Niihau shells and is made entirely in Hawaii. $34.50, $69.00 They have some beautiful pieces. They soon became popular among high society southern ladies and became a staple of pearl and jewelry styles. From the time we are children, its something we all want to do! 14K magnet closure is strong and connects to the bracelet for an extended necklace. Ni'ihau shell lei are one of Hawaii's most authentic and sought after treasures. Yikes! Still, Coffee lovers wont find a better way to sip their morning coffee than this Niihau coffee mug. Try using a different browser or disabling ad blockers. This design was inspired by Victoria Feinberg. If you browse through my site, you will see some excellent examples of more traditional styles as well as some of the more modern Kauai ones. On Ni'ihau, after the designs were carved into the skin, the gourds were said to have been buried in black mud. What I'm seeking is an actual person or two who've purchased from someone on Kauai if it was a positive experience. It is certifiable with 85% Niihau Shells and features a sunrise shell Centerpiece and sterling silver adjustable length clasp. This piece is 24" and is one of the most treasured favorites in our collection. They are also the most difficult to collect in usable quantities. They are unisex and come in different colors and sizes. Hi Southerngirl: I was in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I then saw some in Whaler's Village and others in Lahaina that were significantly more expensive and appeared to be far simpler than what I'd fallen in love with at Many Hands, which also made me worry about pricing! A jaw dropping array of all colors of Momi and Kahelelani are visible but the ultimate prize is incredible construction and consistency of stringing. It's not of the highest quality because of the variation in coloring but the price reflected that and more people have oo'ed and ah'ed over that piece than you can imagine. http://new.photos.yahoo.com/bjbert38@sbcglobal.net/album/576460762401505316. Ni'ihau is an island off the southwest coast of Kaua'i. It just means you don't get the fancy, multi-strand long lei. Ni'ihau is the westernmost inhabited island in Hawaii. They have been used for centuries by the native people of these islands. Can be sold individually or with earrings. Lava Lava Cafe on the beach. (10% off), Sale Price $254.99 T-shirts have become a popular souvenir in the last decades: they are practical, original, and a clear reminder of where youve been. We happily supply curated items to galleries with educational materials. 1. This book tells you all about the traditional Hawaiian necklaces and how women sew tiny shells into beautiful necklaces. Original Price $125.00 Inquire to have photos sent to you of most current inventory since we often have incredible lei that are not yet posted online. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. There was a problem subscribing you to this newsletter. At Ali'i Kauai Tours and Charters, we offer one better: A two-for-one air experience. 24", Hawaiian Lei made of precious gem quality shells carefully collected on the Island of Ni`ihau, .. $500.00. Did you highlight the link and "copy" it and then "paste" it to the web address line? Over the years I have helped thousands of people find the perfect place to stay on Kauai whilst also advising on everything from places to propose to the best Na Pali boat ride. Kahelelani is the smallest, most valuable and hardest to prepare. Designs by Teresa Kapaa 96746 . (a) For the purposes of this section, "Niihau shells" means seashells harvested from the island of Niihau, its waters, or its beaches. We did receive a letter of authenticity, but it has long since been lost. This is a museum quality piece made from several seasons of picking shells. Buy 2 Get 3rd item FREE - Store only. (a) For the purposes of this section, "Niihau shells" means seashells harvested from the island of Niihau, its waters, or its beaches. The stretch of beaches from Wailua to Kapa'a encompasses quite a few beaches including the big family beach - Lydgate - and the beach behind the Lanikai Resort and the one in front of the newest (even though it's a couple of years old now!) Mon-Sat 10:30am . In 2020 alone, purchases on Etsy generated nearly $4 billion in income for small businesses. I started this site to share my travel stories and inspiration to help you complete bucket list trips. These earrings will not be duplicated in the future. "Ikigai" Wrap Pants - Bird of Paradise in Cream/Navy Lotus & Lime $49.95. If you want to buy jewelry or leis made with pupu o Niihau, you can ask any shop to provide documentation that the work is authentic. Original Price $299.99 When combined with kahelelani, momi, and kamoa, the variations are endless. Im also a not-so-secret space nerd and speak fluent emoji! Under Add your personalization, the text box will tell you what the seller needs to know. Let me know in the comments! Absolutely! My latest one was purchased from a Spouting Horn vendor and it came with a certificate of authenticity. Traditionally worn at weddings but stunning for any occasion is this 10 strand Laiki or Rice shell lei measuring in at 36". The island of Niihau encompasses 70 square miles and it is located 18 miles northwest of Kauai. We currently specialize in Ni'ihau shell lei, Seed lei, and Lauhala Weaving. Have any questions about where to buy Niihau shell leis or other souvenirs from Hawaiis Forbidden Island? Aloha. In the gaps between the shells, Ive been gifted with more than a few big cowrie shells among others. Because there are fewer Kahelelani on this piece, the pricing is very affordable at $700 for the necklace, $200 for the bracelet and $75 for the earrings. There are no ferry services taxiing tourists to Niihau from the other islands, and as you'd expect, no flights to Niihau, either. Answer 11 of 14: Are there any beaches where visitors can find the beautiful Sunrise shells? (25% off), Sale Price $67.50 Big Island, Kauai & Maui 6-night multi-island adventure, from $1,459. Click Buy it now or Add to cart and proceed to checkout. Photos taken through glass along with bright light reflectance blurred and obscrubed much detail (plus my shaky hands did not help). I would like toknow where to look. The art of Ni'ihau shell lei making is a precious cultural gift -- if you own a lei you can tell people who made it, where the shells were collected, what types of shells, and the generations of the family that made it passing down this knowledge makes this a true treasure. Indeed it is. The lei can be connected with the bracelet to make a longer necklace while the earrings make a perfect compliment for any style. Custom orders are always welcome. I know it's a lot, but have no idea what range we are talking aboutI am interested in getting one when I am there in August, but have a feeling I may be out of my league You should be able to get a pikake choker-length for about $125. Bracelet is burgundy or Ula Ula Kahelelani sewn with momi shells in the heliconia fashion. Here are the official colors and flowers of Hawaiian islands from the bottom to the top, Hawaii to Ni'ihau. You've already signed up for some newsletters, but you haven't confirmed your address. The bracelet is an optional extension to the lei. The 72-square-mile Niihau is everything the major Hawaiian islands Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and its neighbor Kauai are not. One of a kind handmade jewelry including Ni'ihau shell and Sunrise Shell necklaces, earrings and bracelets all locally made at great prices. Good luck in your hunt for your gorgeous Niihau shell lei, Plumeria! Mahalepu is my favorite South Shore beach; it has a wonderful hike on the north side above the ocean and some beautiful views and great shade in amongst the pine trees and shrubs. Each earring is unique as there will only be one available at a time. $85.50, $95.00 Instead, there are plenty of venues in Kauai, Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island that offer authentic Niihau shell leis and jewelry. It hardly ever rains at Polihale so you can do that; nothing like looking at the canopy of the stars. You can also find online shops to purchase them. Last I checked, multi-strand chokers were going for at least $100/strand, but that may be outdated. Ni'ihau is a private island with a population of 160, mostly of pure Native Hawaiian descent. Poe Poe SSG Pearl Lei strung expertly by a master designer. Beautiful! Our global marketplace is a vibrant community of real people connecting over special goods. And shells. Here's the website list of Kauai sellers: Waimea Canyon General Store/Forever Kauai (Kekaha). 3864 Iona Road, (808) 634-0101, blu-umi.com 8. This 5 strand lei features the rarest colors of kahelelani. This bracelet features gorgeous shells with a modern design and is finished with a 14K Gold safety clasp. Utterly fantastic workmanship and quality of shells. mammaI checked and I can pull the photos up. Niihau Island & Lehua Crater. Ni'ihau also goes by the name, The Forbidden Island, because the island is privately owned. It is roughly 18.6 miles long and 6.2 miles wide. Expect to see knockoff s with slightly different labels. With 14K strong magnet clasp it attaches to bracelet to wear long, or can be worn as 3 pieces. There are many books to learn about Niihau, but here are a few that tackle interesting topics. This classic look first made it's splash when Queen Emmalani wore her Laiki shell lei abroad to meet diplomats in Europe. Item #198. Every Ni'ihau shell creation we offer is made with care and selected for quality and originality. This bracelet is my favorite accessory to wear and a best seller for budding enthusiasts. Certifiable Ni'ihau, Made on Kauai. Made only on Niihau, a private island off Kauais west side, the lei are known as one of Polynesias finest ART FORMS . what puzzles me is that they can only be found on ni'ihau. Shown below are examples of different styles and colors. This is a beautiful piece by a legendary stringer. Common colors arekeokeo(white),kala(pink),lenalena(yellow), andmaomao(green). Youll see some people use it as decoration due to its vibrant colors and large size. Inquire to see our sunrise or cowry collection and have one of these beauties made just for you. They are found in greatest numbers on Ni'ihau and Kauai, although isolated populations occur on all of the Hawaiian Islands. In addition to being rare, Kahelelani . Every piece you purchase from our Ni'ihau collection comes with the stringer's name and a detailed description of the shells on your lei and their Hawaiian names of color and shell. Our main goal is to pair the right piece with it's soul mate. If you opened this thread to learn what I'm talking about, here's some info: http://www.niihauheritage.org/niihau_history.htm, Well, it's not (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This is a kipona mixed shell set features green O'mao O'mao kahelelani poe poe sections and 14K gold clasps. This piece can be doubled and worn as a 2 strand, or worn long over the head with poe poe sections cascading through the center. Be aware not all shells are Ni'ihau shells. Allows labeling that indicates percentage of Niihau shell content if item contains at least 80% Niihau shells and is made entirely in State. These pieces were designed to have a gentle contrast between Kahelelani and Momi and were made together but sold separately. mamma, you can get away with spending MUCH less than a couple of grand. But the other end and in between, you may come across some finds. Each lei can take up to six months to complete. In fact, the Hawaiian language is spoken almost . Strung with Niihau Momi and Kahelelani, the colors are Ula Ula (Burgundy) and Akala Pua (Flower Pink) that compliment either side of the pearls for contrast and originality. Vintage momi shells were gathered in early 1990's. They are high luster, with sparkling brilliance and glass-like feel and surface textures. Ni'ihau is estimated to be 4.9-6 million years old. Once we receive an email from you, we will respond in a detailed and timely manner. Certifiable Ni'ihau, Made on Kauai. To make some money from the outside world, locals rely heavily on the tiny Ni'ihauan shell, scattered along the beaches of this small island. remembering account, browser, and regional preferences, remembering privacy and security settings, personalized search, content, and recommendations, helping sellers understand their audience, showing relevant, targeted ads on and off Etsy. Consistently earned 5-star reviews, shipped orders on time, and replied quickly to messages, Looks like you already have an account! Anyway the photos give an idea what we are discussing. Great! Cowrie - all different varieties. My biggest issue is to get an authentic one, not a knock-off. The seventy-two-square-mile island located off the southwestern tip of Kaua'i is part of Kaua'i County but has been privately owned since 1864, first by the Sinclair and now by the Robinson family. The small shells used in Ni'ihau lei are named after him. Kauai. Purchased by a wealthy Scottish widow in 1864, the family-owned island of Niihau is committed to preserving its natural and cultural history perhaps at a dangerous cost. Send me exclusive offers, unique gift ideas, and personalized tips for shopping and selling on Etsy. this style is inspired by the treasures of the ocean and how well they work together. Many sellers on Etsy offer personalized, made-to-order items. DonsBambooArt $10,000.00 FREE shipping 7 1/2 inches Niihau momi shell bracelet with kahelelani shells from Hawaii DuangchindaOfHawaii (164) $175.00 Handmade Genuine Ni'ihau shell dangle earrings, Kipona style, Aesthetic jewelry # 137. I dont have a photo of one that I took hence the once above, which is also lovely. Finish is a granulated cowry in traditional Ni'ihau fashion. Ni'ihau shell jewelry is one of the most Hawaiian art forms represented in Maui Hands. Pamela Dow, a Kekaha retailer of the jewelry, hopes to elevate the art form to . Ni'ihau probably formed first, since it is farthest west in the chain and volcanoes to the east are younger, but data indicating the exact onset times of the two volcanoes do not exist. (10% off), Sale Price $93.75 (10% off), Sale Price $44.10 Add to Cart. I remember a couple of years ago being impressed by the small collection of leis at the ukulele store in Koloa town, but I don't think that collection exists anymore. Kauai. Within a couple of weeks of arriving on Kauai 19 years ago, a lovely woman told me about this beach, which very soon became (and still is) my favorite beach on Kauai. I did buy the gorgeous book Totally Hawaiian has on Niihau shell lei, which I highly recommend. It is because of the efforts of the Ni'ihau people that Ni'ihau shells. Though the nickname stuck, luckily visiting the island is no longer forbidden. The viewing area perched above the jagged crumbling . Niihau Shell Leis are alo available at Totally Hawaiian in the Whalers Village Shopping Center , Kaanapali , Maui Mahalo nui loa Malama pono i malama kekahi i kekahi Barbara, Thanks for the tip, Barbara! I have found many different shells at Larsens but the gifts of the shells fade into the background compared to the peace and joy of just sitting and sifting or walking along Kaakaaniu beach. Sometimes "quality" is in the eye of the beholder so buy what you love! Honolulu Academy of Arts Gift Shop, Honolulu, Havaiki Oceanic and Tribal Art Gallery, Hanalei, JJ Ohana, HanappKauai Museum Gift Shop, Lhue, Maui Hands, Kanapali, Lahaina, Pia, or Makawao. This will differ depending on what options are available for the item. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. This set is a matching combination of white Ke'Oke'O Momi shells and Pink Akala Pua Kahelelani. Finished with 14K Gold and GEM quality cypraea granulata. From handmade pieces to vintage treasures ready to be loved again, Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. I have one from the Black Pearl (?) Legally, this term refers only to shells actuallygathered on the shores of the Forbidden Island. He spent 3 days doing that and came out with just under half a small glass jar. $93.75, $125.00 Also the gift shop at the Kaua'i Museum is another reputable place to purchase these lei. Product Code: KFB_N006; Availability: In Stock; $525.00; Qty Add to Cart. Located on the island of 'Oahu, w e sale primarily at craft fairs, public events, and fundraising events. This piece can be worn several ways. Captcha failed to load. Cones Leopard cone, Hebrew cone, Marble cone, others. several thousand dollars for a multi-strand ni'ihau shell lei! Now I'm sharing that information here. Absolutely stunning Niihau shells! Beautiful works of art. an array of intriguing island finds, like Ni'ihau Shell Leis, Hawaiian collectibles, and local jewelry and gifts. There . Length: 24" Materials: Kahelelani 'ele'ele (tiny dark red burgundy shells) kahelelani 'oma'oma 'o (tan tiny shells) Kahelelani 'akala pua (tiny pink shells) Puka shell (white end cap) momi ke'oke'o kua'ula (white shells) Here are two photos of Niihau shell necklaces in a collection at Hawaiian Trading Post at Kalaheo. For us back then it was a rather extravagant purchase. Your email address will not be published. Find your treasure or have one made for you. From this website, I have a list of approved sellers: http://www.niihauheritage.org/niihau_shells.htm. In addition, the people from Niihau also grow their own fruits and vegetables. All have been fully authenticated by makers from Ni`ihau. Big wave beach Lumahai can yield some amazing shells.. just be careful in the water. The Kahelelani shell is the most sought after of the rare Niihau and Kauaian shells. Kauai, with its close proximity to Niihau, has an abundant choice of these UNUSUAL AND HANDCRAFTED shell lei. I would like toknow where to look. Its not a great swimming beach, theres lots of rocks and stones but theres also lots of pools because of that. Great for little kids to look for tiny fish and cucumber fish and shells. Ni'ihau is located 17.5 miles southwest of Kauai. Yes, its a place full of natural beauty, paradise in many places. Try contacting them via Messages to find out! So you only have two options for setting foot on the island: take a helicopter tour from Kauai or . Some Niihau shell leis have been known to be valued for up to $20,000. Etsy is powered by 100% renewable electricity. Start here. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Length: 19" Materials: kahelelani 'akala pua (pink tiny shells) kahelel . Well it may be a trek to get there even in your 4 x 4.. but its worth it. Sold with earrings as a set or individually is a single strand pikake stitch lei comprised of medium grey Uli Uli shells. They can also be found on Kaua`i and Moloka`i, but those lack the luster of the authentic ones. You can also find online shops to purchase them. These earrings represent a beautiful PoePoe weave and can be ordered with any color of Ni'ihau Kahelelani. i tried this and me and my eyes gave up. Some of the technologies we use are necessary for critical functions like security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and to make the site work correctly for browsing and transactions.